Mashallah-My Scholar Is SO Fantastic!!

Salaam

What did you guys think when you read the title of this thread?

“Here she goes again”? “Puh-lease, he aint all that”? “I totally agree”

Or were you indifferent to the statement?

I’ve noticed that high praise of others put people off big time. Why is that? Is it jealousy? Is it due to general irritation or annoyance? Is it because people just generally can not stomach the praise of others?

Many times in life I’ve kept my mouth shut when I’ve wanted to praise someone in a gathering…but I haven’t because I knew that it would put people off.

Self praise is a totally different issue (Blameworthy issue in my opinion)…here I wish to discuss praise of others.

…Sufi’s say that the flatterer is ones worst enemy. Why? cos such a person is friends of his/her Nafs (ego)….However, there is a massive difference between empty flattery and genuine praise.

When the Holy Prophet ﷺ saw someone do something good, he would say “You did well”. He also said, “When a believer hears somebody praising him, his faith increases” not his pride.

In this way he is encouraged to do more for the sake of God.

Scholars distinguish this notion of praise from dishing out of empty flattery. One is encouraged to convey to someone that he has done a good job so that they do more.

…Another thing. Why are some against the praise of our Holy Prophet (saw)-whose name literally means the “Praised One”?

They quote sayings in which He ﷺ has said things such as “I am only a man like you”…failing to realise that such statements were said out of extreme humbleness and modesty of the exalted character of the Holy Prophet (saw).

And regarding praise…is it really annoying? Why DO people dislike the praise of others? Is it an ego thing? Is there a difference between “backslapping” and “praise”?

Is there something wrong with giving due praise when/where it is deserved? When our hearts feel tight and agitated when we hear of someone rightfully being praised…what does this say about us?

And how do we know that people genuinely like us when they praise us and are not just….well “kissing up”.

Share your thoughts…

Wasalaam